ABOUT CAPELLA SPACE

Capella Space is a pioneer in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology and space-based signal intelligence. We empower government, commercial, and research organizations around the world with high-resolution, timely Earth insights that drive better decisions - across defense and intelligence, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, environmental protection, energy, and more.
As a U.S.-based company, Capella designs, builds, and operates an advanced constellation of commercial SAR satellites in orbit today. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where our customers need them most. As a subsidiary of IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing, Capella is charting the future of Earth observation. Together, we’re on a mission to bring quantum computing to space - unlocking ultra-secure, encrypted uplink and downlink capabilities, reducing latency, and enabling powerful on-orbit analytics. This visionary integration of advanced remote sensing and quantum technology will support customers with the highest level of data fidelity, security, and speed.
Capella was named one of Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 and is a trusted partner of the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and allied government agencies worldwide. Built In recognized IonQ on three of its 2025 Best Places to Work lists.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ yearsexperience leading technical teams, preferably in satellite or aerospace operations
• Proficiency in Python and experience building tools or automation for operations
• Familiarity with each of the following disciplines and significant experience with at least one:
• Astrodynamics
• Guidance, Navigation, and Control
• Electrical Engineering
• Communications Systems
• Thermal Engineering
• Embedded Software
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate under real-time mission constraints
• Demonstrated experience scaling operational systems for fleets and constellations
• A mindset of continuous improvement, data-driven analysis, and incident resolution
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a hands-on leader to manage a team of talented Satellite Operations Engineers responsible for the full life cycle of mission operations, including ground system integration, operation procedure development, satellite command and control, software development, and mission data analysis. In this role, you will provide both technical direction and people management, guiding a growing team while remaining closely involved in the development of operational systems for our space-based assets.
You will lead and mentor engineers across multiple disciplines, fostering a collaborative environment where technical excellence and mission assurance are paramount. You’ll ensure the team is aligned with company priorities, own team staffing and development, and actively contribute to the architecture and evolution of our automated operations platform.
The Capella operations center is nominally entirely automated by software with operators on-console to support critical mission events like launch, early operations, and on-call anomaly response. Your team will be responsible for continuously improving this autonomous system, developing new procedures, building automation and scripting tools, and supporting mission-critical events such as launches and anomaly response. You’ll be the point of escalation for complex technical issues and drive root-cause investigations to resolution.
This hybrid role requiring technical depth, strong systems thinking, and experience scaling operational processes across a fleet of spacecraft. The role is based in our Louisville, CO office and includes participation in an on-call rotation for anomaly response support.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, manage, and grow a high-performing team of Satellite Operations Engineers
• Oversee day-to-day operations, career development, staffing, and performance management
• Set technical direction and ensure high standards of operational readiness and autonomy
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across software, satellite engineering, and product teams to optimize mission outcomes
• Drive improvements in system automation, anomaly detection and resolution, and fleet health monitoring
• Ensure operational procedures are well-documented, validated, and scalable
• Participate in on-call rotations as needed and lead complex incident investigations
• Support product demonstrations, mission readiness reviews, and other special initiatives